1966 Oldsmobile 442

Description

While the GTO often steals a lot of the spotlight, the Oldsmobile 442, which debuted not too long after the GTO in 1964, is probably one of the better examples of GM's gentleman's hot rod. With all the luxury features buyers expected from an Oldsmobile, with a healthy dose of horsepower in the form of a 400 cubic inch V8 and a 4-speed (actually, by 1966, 442 stood for 400 cubic inches, 4-barrel carburetor, and dual exhaust), the 442s were exceptional performers that didn't require any sacrifices in the comfort department.

This 1966 442 is a great driver that packs a ton of performance into its bright red body. Now sporting a built 425 cubic inch big block, it cranks out an estimated 380 horsepower and enough torque to reverse the earth's rotation. The paint and bodywork were completed a few years ago, and it looks radiant in red. Never intended to be a concourse contender, this one is instead a nicely finished, eye-grabbing car that you will want to drive every chance you get. There's fresh chrome on the bumpers, and new taillights and emblems make it sparkle. It'll be a big hit at the local cruise night, and on Saturdays, itпїЅs a pleasure to park it in the driveway and spend a few hours waxing that beautiful sheet-metal.

As I mentioned, the engine is now a thumping 425 cubic inch V8, most likely out of a 1967 Toronado. The builder claims 380 horsepower, and given that the Toronados were downright fast in their own right, in this lighter body the same engine should produce neck-snapping results. Of course, having a 4-speed manual transmission and a set of 3.91 gears out back definitely helps. Looking at the photos, you'll note that the engine has been covered in traditional Oldsmobile Gold paint, and a new carb and intake were recently installed. ItпїЅs also impossible to miss the fact that it now inhales through a pair of seriously big ducts fed fresh air from the inboard headlight buckets up front. A few chrome items dress up the engine bay, and if you didn't know better, it would be very easy to believe that the 425 was born there in 1966. This one is ready to cruise, with a new heater and radiator core, as well as a fresh dual exhaust system with Flowmaster mufflers and polished tips. Recent chrome wheels and 225/75/15 front and 275/65/15 rear tires give it a racy appearance.

Inside, youпїЅll find an inviting black bucket seat interior, complete with console. A combination of nice original pieces and restored components, itпїЅs a comfortable, sporty place to do some business. Glance through the spokes of the wood-rimmed wheel and you'll see an aftermarket tach mounted to the steering column, and a trio of auxiliary gauges has been mounted down low by the console. The original AM radio still lives in the dash, and recent red floor mats add some much-needed color to the interior. The trunk is nicely finished with a correct trunk mat and full-sized spare.

If youпїЅre looking for a turn-key car to enjoy this summer, this Oldsmobile 442 is ready to rock. With big horsepower, a lot of stretch-out space inside, and bulletproof reliability, it's an ideal cruise night companion for you and a few friends. The four speed keeps it entertaining on the road, but like the original designers hoped, itпїЅs also comfortable and sophisticated. This most certainly isn't your father's Oldsmobile!